nmb-ntz t1_itsamr1 wrote
How do you feel about the numerous trip guidance providers that are popping up in countries where this is not regulated, such as Canada and The Netherlands? They do not provide licensed therapy but advertise and profile themselves as able to assist with various anxieties, fobia, addictions, and self exploration. How does this impact legitimate clinical studies and future therapeutic professionals?
psychsafetyalliance OP t1_itsbtxc wrote
It's mixed. We feel many ways about this.
On the one hand, everyone and their mom wants psychedelic therapy right now, but capacity in clinical trials is low, which means many people who could benefit from psychedelic-assisted treatment or the therapeutic support of a clinical trial can't get it. In this situation, taking psychedelics on your own and working with an integration coach could be the best option that's available for people who are going to do it no matter what, and can theoretically be beneficial. That said, we've also heard stories of this route going poorly for people, so it's not the best option by far and really comes down to the individual providing the service.
On the other hand, a lack of regulation isn't great when we're talking about the hearts and minds of people who are suffering. If you're gonna look for someone to do psychedelic integration work with, we'd recommend going through a licensed therapist who at least has *some* training and experience working with clients, whether or not that training covered psychedelics.
psychsafetyalliance OP t1_itsc8sm wrote
It should also be noted that some licensed mental health providers are offering psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy under the table, which is not great given that many of them have no training in this whatsoever. Even those who have received training in underground psychedelic therapy programs often have no idea how to source safely, as this horror story can attest.
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments